Food Article Holding Device

ABSTRACT

A food article holding device for holding food items, such as tacos, during transport or consumption whereby the holder contains a primary opening allowing for the partial insertion of a food article, such as a taco, whereby generally half of the food article is inserted into the holder resulting in half of the article remaining outside of the holder, with the holder providing a catching device for articles of food that may spill or fall off of the food article during transport or consumption. Also, the holder contains an opening having a shape, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, substantially oval, circular, as well as specific custom shapes that my coincide with an as yet determined design or logo provided by an as yet determined company or entity, whereby the user can handle, adjust, or urge the food article directionally out of the holder as it is consumed.

This application claims the prior filing benefit of provisional patent application No. 60863498 filed on Oct. 30, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of apparatus for holding articles of food. Moreover it pertains specifically to such apparatus for removably holding or transporting food articles, such as tacos.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and useful Food Article Holding Device which is simpler in construction, more universally usable and more versatile in operation than known apparatus of this kind.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new Food Article Holding Device has many novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that result in a new Food Article Holding Device which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus

The present invention, in the assembled state, generally comprises a holder having first and second vertical surfaces, representing a front and back face respectively, the front and back vertical surfaces are each in the general shape of one quarter part of a circle, having side and bottom edges perpendicular to each other forming, in the preferred embodiment, a 90 degree angle and a third edge having a radius contour which connects to the ends of each of the two perpendicular edges, thus defining the one quarter part of a circle shape.

Each vertical surface is connected by first and second end surfaces that extend in a perpendicular manner from the bottom, and radius edges respectively of each vertical surface, with the second radius end surface comprised of first, second, third, fourth fifth, and sixth tabs, as well as an elongated strap, with the first, second, and third tabs extending in a perpendicular manner from the radius edge of the front vertical surface, towards the back vertical surface, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth tabs extending in a perpendicular manner from the radius edge of the back vertical surface, towards the front vertical surface whereby the first and fourth tabs, the second and fifth tabs, and the third and sixth tabs over lap respectively allowing for an adhesive material to fixably connect each set of overlapping tabs. The elongated strap, which is of the same single embodiment as all surfaces of the device, extends from the lateral edge of the bottom end surface which is adjacent to the radius end, and extends the length of the exterior of the radius end conforming to the curvature of the radius, whereby it overlaps and covers the connective tabs extending from each vertical surface, the strap then folds over the edges of the first and fourth tabs.

Additionally, the holder contains a primary opening allowing for the partial insertion of a food article, such as a taco, whereby generally half of the food article is inserted into the holder resulting in half of the article remaining outside the holder. Also, each vertical surface contains an opening having a shape, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, substantially oval, circular, as well as specific custom shapes that my coincide with an as yet determined design or logo provided by an as yet determined company or entity, such as, a general “Bell shape” which is representative of “Taco Bell”, or a “Sun shape” which is representative of “Dell Taco”, with each opening allowing the user to handle, adjust, or urge the food article directionally out of the holder as it is consumed.

The present invention in the unfolded or disassembled state, is of a single embodiment, whereby the device is manufactured, in the preferred embodiment, by means of die cutting or stamping, a pattern out of material, including but not limited to, paper, plastic, styrofoam, composite foams, composite plastics, and any general use paper composite product not referred to herein, which when folded and assembled take the shape of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly several advantages and objects of the present invention are:

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that will allow the user to eat food items such as tacos while minimizing the amount of food related items that spill during consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that allows the user to handle, adjust, or urge the food article directionally out of the holder as it is consumed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that provides the supplier of the holder with ample advertising space on the exterior of the holder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that can be manufactured and offered as a disposable item.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that can be manufactured and offered as a durable, washable, re-usable item.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that allows the user to serve or transport a food item, such as a taco, in the upright position by means of a stable flat base that enables the device to remain upright while on a table top or plate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable as a disposable item.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that allows the user to eat messy food items, that are not otherwise easily and cleanly handled, in a more manageable and secure fashion that reduces the risk of spilling food items and soiling the clothing of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Food Article Holding Device that is more universally functional in today's market than the prior art devices.

It is intended that any other advantages and objects of the present invention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings further describe by illustration the advantages and objects of the present invention. Each drawing is referenced by corresponding figure reference characters within the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION” section to follow.

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a food article holding device according to the present invention in use holding a food article.

FIG. 2. is a top view of a food article holding device according to the present invention in use holding a food article.

FIG. 3. is a front view of a food article holding device according to the present invention in use holding a food article.

FIG. 4. is a top view of a food article holding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5. is a side view of a food article holding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6. is a plan view of a pattern for a food article holding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7. is a plan view of a pattern for a food article holding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8. is a plan view of a pattern for a food article holding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9. is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food article holding device according to the present invention in use holding a food article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now descriptively to the drawings, the attached figures illustrate a Food Article Holding Device

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention 10 in the assembled state, which is a holder having first 11 and second 12 vertical surfaces, representing a front 12 and back 12 face respectively, the front 11 and back 12 vertical surfaces are each in the general shape of one quarter part of a circle, having side 13 and bottom 14 edges perpendicular to each other forming, in the preferred embodiment, a 90 degree angle 15 and a third edge 16 having a radius contour which connects to the ends 18, 19 of each of the two perpendicular side 13 and bottom 14 edges, thus defining the one quarter part of a circle shape 20.

Each vertical surface 11, 12 is connected by first 21 and second 22 end surfaces that extend in a perpendicular manner from the bottom 14, and radius edges 16 respectively of each vertical surface 11, 12, with the second radius end surface 22 comprised of first 23, second 24, third 25, fourth 26, fifth 27, and sixth 28 tabs, as well as an elongated strap 29, with the first 23, second 24, and third 25 tabs extending in a perpendicular manner from the radius edge 16 of the front vertical surface 11, towards the back vertical surface 12, and the fourth 26, fifth 27, and sixth 28 tabs extending in a perpendicular manner from the radius edge 16 of the back vertical surface 12, towards the front vertical surface 11 whereby the first 23 and fourth 26 tabs, the second 24 and fifth 27 tabs, and the third 25 and sixth 28 tabs over lap respectively allowing for an adhesive material to fixably connect each set of overlapping tabs. The elongated strap 29, which is of the same single embodiment as all surfaces of the device, extends from the lateral edge 30 of the bottom end surface 21 which is adjacent to the radius end surface 22, and extends the length of the exterior of the radius end surface 22 conforming to the curvature of the radius, whereby it overlaps and covers the connective tabs 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 extending from the radius edge 16 of each vertical surface 11, 12, the strap 29 then folds over the edges of the first 11 and second 12 vertical surfaces by means of tabs 37 to secure the strap into position.

Additionally, the holder 10 contains a primary opening 31 allowing for the partial insertion of a food article 32, such as a taco, whereby generally half of the food article 33 is inserted into the holder 10 resulting in half of the article 34 remaining outside the holder. Also, each vertical surface 11, 12 contains regions of available surface area 35 whereby the supplier of the holder can place advertisements, including graphics and or text, which are easily viewed by the user, with the whole of the exterior of each vertical surface serving as the available region for advertising use. Each vertical surface 11, 12 also contains an opening 36 having a shape, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, substantially oval, circular, as well as specific custom shapes that my coincide with an as yet determined design or logo provided by an as yet determined company or entity, such as, a general “Bell shape” which is representative of “Taco Bell”, or a “Sun shape” which is representative of “Dell Taco”, with each opening 35 allowing the user to handle, adjust, or urge the food article 32 directionally out of the holder 10 as it is consumed.

FIG. 4 Illustrates the present invention in the unfolded or disassembled state, which is of a single embodiment, whereby the device is manufactured, in the preferred embodiment, by means of die cutting or stamping, a pattern out of material, including but not limited to, paper, plastic, styrofoam, composite foams, composite plastics, and any general use paper composite product not referred to herein, which when folded and assembled take the shape of the present invention.

It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A fold-up food holder apparatus comprising: a base panel; a first side panel; a second side panel; an end panel; a plurality of side tabs; a plurality of end panel tabs; a first opening in the first side panel; a second opening in the second side panel; the side panels each joined contiguously with the base panel; the end panel joined contiguously with the base panel; each one of the side tabs extensive from and joined contiguously with one of the side panels, each one of the end tabs extensive from and joined contiguously with the end panel; the tabs on each side panel positioned for engaging opposing tabs on the opposing side panel when the apparatus is folded into a food holder; the tabs on the end panel positioned for engaging the side panels when the apparatus is folded into a food holder, whereby the apparatus is secured in a preferred configuration.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the openings in the side panels are rectangular in shape, providing improved side access.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the openings in the side panels are circular in shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the openings in the side panels are triangular in shape.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the openings in the side panels are oval in shape.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein adhesive is utilized to secure the tabs on one side panel, to the tabs on the opposing side panel, and the tabs on the end panel to the side panels.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein adhesive is utilized to secure the tabs on one side panel, to the tabs on the opposing side panel, and the tabs on the end panel to the side panels.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the material utilized is a disposable paper product.
 9. A single piece holder for a taco which embodies a first side panel access opening and a second side panel access opening providing improved side access.
 10. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the apparatus is a single piece made of plastic. 